Fooled

Chapter 20

She never thought she’d make it this far.She’d always expected that the day before her high school graduation, she’d collapse and have a heart attack or something extraordinary like that. But it was June 4th and she was sitting in front of her mirror, curling her hair, and getting ready for the big event.  As she looked into the mirror at her brown curls and her green eyes, she remembered something her mom used to tell her all the time.

        “Why do you want to grow up so badly,” She fought with her, “Stop putting on my make up, sweetie. You’re only young once.”

        “But Mommy,” She pouted, “I want to be old like you! I want to go and get a job and live by myself.” Crossing her arms over her chest, little Kathryn begged for independence.

        “You’d have to graduate high school first,” She laughed, “And by then you’re going to miss being a little girl.”

        “That’s too far away,” Kat pouted again.

        “Trust me, honey,” Mrs. Baxter laughed, “You’ll graduate soon enough.”

        At the time, Kathryn would roll her eyes because she thought her mother was so foolish. But here she was about to graduate and it only felt like so much time had gone by and she still didn’t know what to do with herself. She didn’t know where to go or what to do with her life. She was officially accepted into three different colleges but she hadn’t decided which one to enroll into.

        Mr. Baxter walks in as she bobby pins her cap to her hair. “Don’t you look beautiful,” He spoke softly causing her to stare at him through her mirror. “Wow!”

        “Hi Daddy,” She turned to face him to observe him wearing a black button up shirt and a red tie to match her cap and gown. She walked over to him and kissed his cheek before sitting down at the foot of her bed.

        “You’re so grown up,” He shook his head, “I can’t believe you’re actually graduating. God, I’m old. Before I know it you’ll be graduating from UCLA.”

        Kathryn sighed and pouted, “Dad, I know you want me to go to UCLA, but I’m not even sure I want to go there. I’m not sure what I want to do yet, but whatever I choose, you have to accept it. All my life, you’ve made the decisions but this time it’s my turn. Understand?”

        He grumbled like a sad puppy, “I know sweetheart, but you can’t blame a guy for trying.”

*.*.*

        “Samuel Marshall Banner,” The principal started calling people for their diplomas, “Kathryn Susanne Baxter.” Katy stood up and made her way to get her diploma as she listened to the roaring crowd of people behind her backing her up. At the end of the long and boring ceremony, she takes pictures with her Dad who has supported her through most anything.

        Her dad finally pushes her to go to the Graduation after party with her friends because it’s her last big blow out before becoming a responsible adult out in the real world. “Kathryn you are going to the party even if I have to take you there myself. I’ll drop you off and make sure people see me because I’ll roll down the windows and play 80s music at the highest volume level. And I’ll make sure it’s the embarrassing 80s music, not the fun ones.”

        “Okay,” She surrendered with laugher, “I’ll go.”

        Shelby and Kathryn showed up to the party late. They both took too long to get ready. They spend most of the night dancing in the middle of everyone. Neither of them were ones for partying but they decided to let loose and have fun. After awhile, Kathryn’s feet started to hurt and so she left the dance floor to sit down.